Flap gumming and folding mechanism for envelope machines



Sept. 18, 1951 v. E. HEYWooD FLAP GUMMING AND FOLDING MECHANISM FOR ENvELoPE MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July l5; 1948 LLL/ LLI l'll JUar-r Wrzcerz EYHe waa By g f/feff rU-L.

Sept. 18, 1951 v. E, HEYWOOD 2,568,629

FLAP GUMMING AND FOLDING MECHANISM FOR ENVELOPE MACHINES Filed July. l5, 1948 5 SheGtS-Sht 2 l' "l irl/U "JH" l U .liar/Enfer* ...-12 11e l ybzcenTb-H ywood 17557 *Le y Sept. 18, 1951 v. E. HEYWooD 2,558,629

FLAP GUMMING AND FOLDING MECHANISM FOR ENVELOPE MACHINES Filed July 13, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet lI5,

Sept. 18, 1951 Vl E, HEYWOOD 2,568,629

` FLAP GUMMING AND FOLDING MECHANISM v FOR ENVELOPE MACHINES Filed July 13, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Sept. 18, 1951 v. E. HEYWOOD 2,568,629

FLAP GUNMING AND FOLDING MECHANISN FOR ENVELOPE MACHINES Filed July 13, 1948 5 sheets-sheet 5 l/zrcc nf E ywo A ney Patented Sept. 18, 1951 FLAI GUMMING AND FOLDING MECHANISM FOR ENVELOPE MACHINES Vincent E. Heywood, Worcester, Mass., assignor to United States Envelope Company, Springfield, Mass., a corporation of Maine Application July 13, 1948, Serial No. 38,494

3 Claims.

The present invention relates to envelope machines and more particularly to such machines of the rotary type wherein the operations involved in the forming of envelopes are performed in a continuous manner by the passage of the material from end-to-end of the machine in rolling contact with the Various instrumentalities thereof.

More specifically, the mechanism of thepresent invention is concerned with the gumming of the bottom and seal liap portions of each envelope blank, as well as the folding down of the bottom nap, to form the usual seams with the infolded side flaps. The present mechanism m-ay with advantage be used in conjunction with envelope blank-forming mechanism of the type disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 36,776, filed July 2, 1948, Envelope Machine, which produces ungummed envelope blanks from a web; regardless of how said blanks are produced, they are forwarded successively to the present mechanism with their side flaps folded toward each other and with their bottom and seal flaps extended and unscored. After passing through the mechanism comprising the present invention, the glued and partly folded blanks Ymay be delivered to other mechanism of the type 4disclosed in my copending application Serial No.

21,673, filed April 17, 1948, Drier Mechanism for `Envelope Machines, in order to dry the seal flap gum, and then are delivered to still other mechanism of the type disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 38,495, filed July 13, 1948, Envelope Folding and Stacking Machine, for folding the seal flaps down over the envelope bodies, and finally stacking the envelopes on edge, upside down.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide an envelope machine of the rotary type with simplified flap gumming and folding means which is capable of efcient high-speed operation. i

With the above and other objects in view, as will hereinafter appear, the invention comprises the devices, combinations, and arrangements of parts hereinafter set forth and illustrated in the accompanying drawings of a preferred embodiment of theinvention, from which the several features of the invention and the advantages attained thereby will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

In the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1 represents a partial side view of an envelope machine in which the present invention is incorporated.

Fig. 2 represents, on a reduced scale, a Sectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 represents a, sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2 and showing also schematically in plan the gluing and folding operations performed on a pair of successive blanks.

Fig. 4 represents a side elevation view of one of the envelope gumming rolls employed in the present invention.

Fig. 5 represents, on an enlarged scale, a vertical sectional view taken through an opposed pair of gumming and suction rolls which are disclosed in Fig. 3. E

Fig. 6 represents, on an enlarged scale, a vertical sectional view through a pair of concentrically arranged spray tubes which are disclosed in Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 represents a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 'l-'I of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 represents a vertical sectional View taken substantially along the line 8 8 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 9 represents a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 9-9 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 10 represents a vertical sectional view l taken substantially along the line Illl ll of Fig. 3.

Fig. 11 represents a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line lI-II of Fig. 3.

Fig. 12 represents a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line |2--I2 of Fig. 3.

The present invention is concerned with the gumming of the bottom and seal -ap portions of successive envelope blanks, as well as with the folding and sticking down of their bottom flaps, and accordingly, the mechanism for performing other operations on the envelope blanks, such as notching, side flap folding, and seal flap folding, are not illustrated. It will be understood, however, that the illustrated mechanism desir-` ably forms a part of a complete machine, which includes means for performing these other additional steps, together with means for cutting the blanks from a continuously moving web, and advancing the blanks in a spaced relation relative to one another, in a definitely timed rela`l tion. More specifically, the present mechanism is adapted to receive successive envelope blanks each with the side flap portions thereof folded over, and with the bottom and seal flap portions extended and ungummed, as shown schematically in plan at the right in Fig. 3.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2, and 7, the

present mechanism includes a table top I6 upon which is mounted a pair of spaced apart vertically disposed brackets and I3 between which the envelope side ap folding mechanism is mounted.

.the present mechanism is adapted to be driven by an electric motor (not herein shown) which is connected to a drive shaft 2| by means of a plurality of V-belts 22, 22. The main shaft 2| is operably :connected with a vertically disposed 'jackshaft .-23 by means .of interme'shingV bevel gears 24, 24. The upper end of the jackshaft 23 carries'a bevel gearr 25 which meshes with a vcorresponding gear 2-6 mounted upon the distal end of a horizontally .disposed shaft 21 .which is `J'ournalled within the spaced brackets Il and |.8 and forms a part of the side flap folding mech- .anism.

' It is to be particularly noted that the distal end portion of the shaft 2l carries a gear` 28 which meshes Ywith a similar gear 2.9 carried upon `the distal end of a forwarding role 33 which forms afpart of Ithe `present mechanism, and which is journalled between the brackets Il and i3.V As may be particularly seen in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the forwarding roll 35 carries intermediate its end .portions a gear 3| which meshes with a gear 32 carried upon an upper forwarding roll 33 lwhich cooperates with the lower roll 35 in the forwarding of successiveenvelope blanks from the side ap yfolding mechanism to the present mechanism. The `'above noted driving mechanism is designed to rotate in a direction such that the lower feeding roll 3|) will vbe driven in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig 3. It will be particularly noted that .the upper feeding roll 33 is journalled between projecting portions of the brackets I9 and 28 which overhang the Abrackets and I8 in a manner particularly disclosed in Figs. 1 and 3.

It is the function of the cooperating upper and lower forwarding rolls 33 and 3Q to deliver each renvelope blank between the bite of rolls 34 and '35 --which comprise a bottom ap gumming roll and a suction roll, respectively. Referring particularly to Figs. 2, 3, and '7, it is to be noted that the rolls 34 land 35 are mounted upon a pair of vertically spaced shafts 36 and 31, respectively,

which are journalled `between the brackets I9V and 23. 4The suction roll 35 has a gear 38 mounted Vupon its shaft 31, and this gear meshes direct-ly vwith Ian idler gear 39 journalled upon a stub shaft 40 which is carried directly by the bracket 25. "Referringv particularly to Fig. 3, it is to be seen thatgearBQ Ais driven Yby gear 3| which is carried "by .the above noted forwarding roll 30. Thus, the suction roll 3.5 is ypositively driven in synchronism with the forwarding roll 301at all times.

Still referring to Fig. `7, the suction roll shaft Y.3l Ais hollow and is Ljourna'lled upon a hollow stationary .tube 4| .which is secured within the brackets |.9 and 2li. `'IYhe-left-hand end portion of the tube 4| is closed over, while the right-,hand end portion is connected with a Vacuum pump aseaee (not herein shown) by means of an elbow coil-A pling 42. Thus, the hollow portion of the tube 4| is adapted to be partially evacuated at all times.

The gumming roll 34 is driven in synchronism with the suction roll 35 by means of a gear 43 carried upon the gumming roll shaft 36 in a manner so as to mesh directly with the suction roll gear 38. Disposed in parallel relation with the gumming roll shaft 35 is a gum roll 44 having a gear 45 mounted upon its distal end so as to mesh .directly with a gear 43 carried upon one e side of the gumming roll gear 43.

As may be particularly noted in Figs. 1, 3, and '7, the gum rollshaft 44 is mounted within spaced side wall portions of a gum dish 45 which is pivotally mounted upon a horizontally disposed shaft 41 which, in turn, is carried by a pair oi spaced bosses 48, 48. Referring to Fig. 1, it is to be seen that the bosses 48, 48 are rigidly mounted upon the top portions of the brackets t9 and 26. rIhe left-hand end portion (as viewed in Fig. 1) .of ,the gum dish 46 is provided with Ya Yhandle member 49 which provides a means -where- `by anoperator may pivot the dish about its shaft 47 for the purpose of raising `the gum roll Y44 above the gumming roller 34. The right-hand end portions of the gum dish are each provided with thumb screws 5B, 50 which function as ad- -justingfmeans whereby the Vheight of the gum roll may be adjusted Vrelative `to the gumming roller `34. As may be noted in Fig. V3, the gum dish is also provided with a scraper or doctor blade 5| which cooperates with Vthe gum roll 44 in the .usual fashion.

Referring particularly to Figs. 3, 4, and 5, it is to be understood that the gumming roller 34 is provided with ythe usual gumming strip .or picker 52 which is designed in a conventional manner so .that as the roller 34 rotates in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, it will function to present the picker 52 `to the gum roll 4&3 for the purpose 4of receiving .gum onits peripheral surface and thereafter, continued rotation of the roller will .carry the `picker into contact with vthe bottom flap portion of each envelope blank to the end that the gum from the .picker will be deposited along the outer surface of eachbottom flap, as the blank is forwarded between the bite of the gumming roller 34 and .thelower suction roll 35.

Referring particularly Vto Figs. 3 and 5, there is associated `with the suction roll 35 a small forwarding or foldingV roll '53 which is biased, by

means which Vwill be hereinafter described,

, When the bottom flap portion of each envelope 4blank substantially clears the bite of the rollers 34 and 35 in a manner as is particularly disclosed in Fig. 5, the `flap will remain in vengagement with .the periphery of the picker element 52 due to the presence of gum on the picker. The suction roll 35, however, is adapted to `grasp the blank along a line which is designated in Fig. 3 by the numeral 5.4, and then as the lower roll 35 continues in its counterclockwise rotation, it will strip the bottom flap from the picker and cause the flap to fold about the line A54 as lthe envelope kblank is .carried between the bite of the suction roll 35 and the forwarding roll 53.

As viewed in Figs. 5 and 7, it is to be noted that the hollow tube 4| of the suction roll 35 is provided with a longitudinally .disposed slot. 55 which periodically communicates with a radially disposed Yslot 56 formed inthe peripheral surface of the roll'35. rThus, the partial vacuum existing v7g; in the tube 4| will cause each blank to be seized 'Substantially along line 54 by the suction slot 56, whereby to draw said blank downwardly in the rotation of roll 35, as shown by the broken lines in Fig. 5. The continuation of this movement carries the fold 54 into the bite of rolls 35 and 53, the latter acting to stick down the gummed margin of the bottom flap against the infolded side flaps of each blank, as shown schematically in plan at the left in Fig. 3. As soon as each blank is well advanced between the bite of the suction rolland the forwarding roll 53, the slot 55 no longer communicates with the tube lll4 and thus, the envelope material will be free of the suction.

Across the peripheral surface of the suction roll 35, there is provided a relief slot 5l which is so formed and positioned that it will prevent the gum picker -52 from engaging the surface of the roll 35 when no envelope blank is disposed between the rolls 3d and 35. Thus, the relief slot 51 will prevent the roll 35 from being smeared with gum, in the event that the delivery of the blanks is inadvertently interrupted.`

From the above, it is to be understood that each envelope blank may be delivered to the bite of the gumming and suction rolls without having any-scoring lines provided between the juncture of the bottom flap and the blank proper, for such scoring is entirely unnecessary in View of `the fact that the suction roll 35 accurately grasps the blank along the line 54, thereby to cause a proper folding of the bottom nap.

As each envelope blank passes between the bite of the rolls 35 and 53, it is to be understood that the forwarding roll 53 presses the gummed and folded bottom nap rmly into adhesive contact with the edge portions of the infolded side flaps, thereby to form the usual seams between bottom and side flaps. In this latter connection, it is also to be understood that no gum is forced from under the bottom flap so as to be deposited on thel forwarding roll 53, for the reason that the picker element 52 is so designed that it is adapted to deposit its gum just inwardly of the edge of the bottom ap. Thus, as the bottom flap is forced into engagement with the sideiiaps, there is no opportunity for the gum to be squeezed out from under the edge of the bottom flap so as to be smeared over the roll 53.

After each envelope blank leaves the bite of the rolls 35 and 53, it will be delivered between the bite of a lower folding roll 58 and an upper suction roll 59 which are disposed between the brackets I9 and 25, as is particularly illustrated in Figs. 3 and 8. Referring particularly to Fig. 8, the lower folding roll 5B is carried by a shaft 60 which is journalled within the brackets I9 and 26, while the suction roll 59 is mounted directly upon aV hollow stationary tube 6I which is mounted within the brackets I9 and 20. Adjacent each end portion of the folding roll shaft 60 is pivotally mounted a bell-crank lever 62. As viewed in Figs. 3 and 8, it is to be observed that the upper end portion of each of the bell-crank levers 62, B2 supports one end of the above noted folding roll 53, so that the latter may rotate freely. The lower or left-hand end portion of each of the bell-crank levers 52, 62 is provided with a spring biased plunger 63 which engages a cam shaft 64 so as to bias the folding roll 53 toward the first suction roll 35. The cam shaft 54 is mounted within the spaced brackets I9 and 20 and is provided with a handle member 65 (see Fig. 1) which, when rotated, functions to shift the folding roll 53 away from the first suction m11 35, in the event that the operator finds such a maneuver necessary in the adjusting of the machine.

Referring again to Figs. 3 and 8, the lower folding roll shaft 5B has mounted thereon a gear E64 which meshes directly with an idler gear 61 which.' in turn, meshes with a second idler gear 68. Each of these idler gears 6l' and 68 is mounted directly upon the bracket 20, and the gear 684 meshes with the above noted idler gear 39 so that the gear 56 will be positively driven to the end that the folding roll 58 will be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, and in synchronism with the first portion of the above described mechanism.

The second suction roller 59 is positively driven in synchronism with the lower folding roll 58 by means of a gear 69 which is carried by the suction roll and which meshes directly` with the folding roll gear B6.

Referring particularly to Fig. 3, it is to be understood that as the envelope blank, with its bottom flap folded over the side flaps, is delivered between .the bite of the folding roll 53 and the first suction roll 35, the suction will cease and the forward edge of` the blank will engage the periphery of the second suction roll 59. In order to deliver this envelope blank between the bite of the second suction roll and the folding roll 5S, the suction roll 59 is designedin a manner similar to the rst suction roll 35. Thus, as viewed in Fig. 8, the left-hand end portion of the suction roll 63 is connected by means of a coupling 70 to a vacuum pump, not herein shown. Also, the suction tube 6I is provided with a longitudinally disposed slot 1I which communicates with a radial slot 'I2 formed in the surface of the suction roll proper. Thus, the roll 59 is so timed that its slot 'I2 will be covered by the forward edge portion of the envelope blank, and because of the existence of the partial vacuum within the slot, the partly-formed envelope will be forced against the surface of the roll, and the latter` will then function to draw the blank horizontally between itself and the low-er folding roll 58. After each partly-formed envelope is positioned between the bite of the rolls 58 and 59, the suction will cease and thereafter, these latter two rolls will function to deliver each partly-formed envelope, horizontally, toward a pair of upper and lower forwarding rolls 'I3 and 'I4 which are particularly disclosed in Figs. 3 and 9.

Referring particularly to Fig. 9, each of the forwarding rolls 'i3 and I4 has its opposite end portions journalled within the spaced bracket members I9 and 20. Also, they are operably connected together by means of intermeshing gears I5 and 'I6 which are respectively secured to the rolls 'I3 and lll. Referring to Figs. 3 and 9, it is to be understood that the lower roll gear 'i6 meshes directly with an idler gear 'I'I carried upon a stub shaft 'I8 which extends through the bracket 20, and has secured on its opposite end portion a small gear 19. By referring particularly to Fig. 3, it is to be understood that the idler gear 'II functions to drive the forwarding rolls 'I3 and I4 because it meshes with the gear B6 which is carried upon the lower forwarding roll 5S. Thus, the idler gear l1 connects the folding roll gear 66 with the forwarding roll gear 15, to the end that the forwarding rolls I3 and 'I4 are rotated in synchronism with the above described portions of the present mechanism. These two forwarding rolls I3 and 'I4 will, of course, engage each partly-formed envelope as gear 86.

ascesa@ 7 the Same is forwarded from between the bite of the second suction' roll 59' andthe lower folding roll 58, to the end that the piece, folded; edge `54 foremost, will be delivered to the biteof a Seal flap gumlningv roll 89 and a wash roll 8|, Vwhich are particularly illustrated. in Figs. 3 and 10.

.Referring now. to Fig. l0, the wash roll` 8| is mountedfast upon a shaft 82, the end portions. of which are journalled within the spaced brackets |9'and 29, while thegumming roll 89 is similarly secured uponV a shaft 83'. alsol mounted between the brackets i9 and 29. The. right-hand end portion of the wash rollY shaft 82, as viewed in Fig. 10, projects through the bracketZ, and has` secured upon its distal end portion a large gear 84 which, as may be seen in Fig'. 9, meshes directly with the smallpinion gear 19. These gears are sodesigned that the wash roll 8| will be driven at one-half the surface speed at which the envelopes are delivered through the mechanism, for reasons which will be hereinafter set.; forth;

Referring again to Figs.- 3l and l0, the Wash rollV shaft 82 has freely journalled thereon. a1 gear 85 which meshes directly with the idler gear 'H and with a gear 86 carried rigidly upon the gumming roll shaft 83. Thus,- the idler gear will function to rotate the gumming roll 89 at a, surface speed which is equalto that of the forwarding rolls I3 and 14, which speed is substantially twice that of the lower washroll 8 Referring now particularly to Figs. l, 3 and 10, there is mounted above the gumming roll 83 a gum roll 81 which is similar in function and in construction to the above noted gum roll 44. Actually, this second gum roll 81 is associated with a second gum dish 88 in the exact same manner asdescribed in conjunction with the first gum roll 44. Furthermore, this second gum dish 88 is constructed in a manner similar to the first -gum dish 45 and is pivotally mounted upon a horizontally disposed shaft 88', theV end portions of which are journalled within bosses 99, 89 which are, in turn, secured directly upon the brackets VI9 and 28. A. handle 98 permits the operator to pivot the gum dish 88 about its shaft so as to Y raise the gum roll 81 off the gummingroll 83.

Referring specifically tolFig. 10, the right-hand end portion of the gumroll 81 has secured thereto a gear 9| which meshes directly with a gear 92 mounted fast upon the-face of the gumming roll Thus, the rotation of the gumming roll shaft 83 will drive the gum roll 8l in synchronism therewith.

This second gumming roll 83 is constructed in a manner similar to the first gumming roll .t

34 but itis, of course, provided withaJ differently `designed picker element 93, so'that the gum deposited on the latter element by the gum roll 81 will beV transferred in proper relation upon the edge portion of each partly-folded envelopes seal flap. It will be recalled that in connection with the rst gumming roll 34, the picker element 52 was so designed and the roll itself was so timed that the gum would be deposited upon the bottom flap of each blank just inwardly of the marginal edge portion thereof. However, in apply'- ing the gum upon each envelopes seal flap, it is necessary to have the picker element 93 deposit 4the gum all the way to the extreme edge of the seal iiap, so that the seal ap may be properly sealed by an envelope user without having any part of the marginal portion of the seal flap free of the envelope body.` To insure that the edge portion of the seal ap has its gum properly deposited thereon, it is necessary to have thepicker element 93 overlap the edge' portion of the seal flap to a slight degree. Thus, it is obvious that some quantity of gum will be deposited upon the wash roll 8| as the gum is applied to the seal iiap. Clearly, any gum which is depositedon the wash roll must be removed therefrom, so that the latter element will not function to transfer such gum to the underneath sides of the following envelope blanks. Therefore, the present linvention contemplates the provision of means whereby the wash roll 8| may `be cleared of any` gum deposits.

As hereinabove noted, the wash roll 8| rotates at a surface speed which is one-half that of the gumming roll 88 and from this, it is to be understood that the gumming roll 89 will deposit. a relatively narrow strip of gum across the face of the wash roll whenever the picker 93 engages the face of the wash roll; it being understood that the picker will engage the wash roll face whenever no envelope material is disposed between the two rolls. In other words, if the speed of the two rolls was exactly the same, the picker 93 would deposit a relatively wide strip of gum upon the Wash roll and thus, the problem of removing the gum from the wash roll would be more difficult to solve than in the present case.

As may be particularly seen in Figs. 3 and 10, there is disposed adjacent tothe lower surface of the wash roll 9|, a substantially rectangular hollow casing 94 which is disposed between the bracket members I9 and 29. Mounted within the opposite side wall portions of the casing 94 is a spray means generally designated by the numeral 95, which means functions to project streams of water against the lower peripheral surface of the wash roll 8| so as to remove the gum which has been deposited thereon. The upper portion of the casing 9e is closed over by means ofV a cover plate 911', while the lower portion of the casing isr left entirely open so as to permit the water'- along with the gum to drop away from the Wash roll and into a catch basin, not herein shown. As may be particularly noted in Figs. 3 and l0, the one side-.wall of the casing 94 has mounted thereon a dam plate V96, the upper end portion of which intimately engages the wash roll for the purpose of wiping the water and gum therefrom. This dam may be made of an appropriate nonmetallic material, and it functions to remove completely any water and gum emulsion from the surface of the roll, so that a substantially dry roll surface may be presented to the successive partly-folded envelopes. A plate 91 and screws 98, 98 function to maintain the dam 96 in its proper position of adjustment, the screws being threaded directly Within the one end portion of the casing 94.V

The end portions 99, 99 of the casing 94 exend under the forwarding rolls 73 and I4 for the purpose of being mounted directly upon a cross shaft |98, the endrportions of which are mounted within a pair of brackets 8|, |9| which are secured directly to the table top I6 at locations between the brackets I9 and 28. Projecting from the back Wall of the casing, 94 is a boss |02 within which is mounted ,a cam shaft |973, the opposite end portions of which are mounted in a pair of brackets |94, |94, each of which is secured directly upon the table i6 between the brackets I9 and 20. The distal end portion of this cam shaft projects through thebracket side wall i9, and is providedwith a handle |05 which mayl be rotated by an operator so as to drop the casingV 94 and the daml plate 95 awayfrom the (9 Wash-roll, as the casing member pivots about the cross shaft |00.

As hereinabove noted, there '.s provided lengthwise of the casing 94, a spray means 95 which functions to eject a plurality of streams of water toward the wash roll 8|. More specifically, the spray means 95 comprises two concentrically arranged tubes |06 and |01, each of which is provided with a plurality of nozzle apertures |08, |08 through which water may be ejected. The quantity of water ejected from the spray means may be governed by adjusting one of the tubes relative to the other, so as to bringthe inner and outer apertures |08, |08 into coincidence, or to place them slightly out of phase, depending upon the amount of water it is desired to play upon the Wash roll 8|. Referring particularly to Fig. 10, it is to be understood that the right-hand end portions of the spray means 95 are closed over, while the left-hand end portions extend through an opening in the bracket member I9, so as to facilitate the coupling of a water-supply hose |09 to the inner tube |01. The outer tube |06 is rigidly carried with the opposite wall portions of the casing 94. From this, it should be understood that this hose |09 will supply a constant stream of water for the wash roll 8|, to the end that the gum m'ay be continually removed from this roll. It is also pertinent to point out that in the event that the apertures |08, |08 of the spray tubes tend to become clogged with foreign matter, the operator may grasp the distal end portion of the tube |01 and rotate the same, relative to the outer tube |06, thereby freeing the apertures |08, |08 of any foreign matter. y

As each partly-formed envelope passes between the bite of the seal flap gumming roll 80 and wash roll 8|, the leading edge portion 54 thereof will be forwarded to a pair of upper forwarding rolls I|0, and a lower forwarding roll III. (See Figs. 3 and 11.) In every case, when the seal flap of an envelope has been freshly gummed between the rolls 80 and 8|, some time must elapse before this gum will dry, and thus, no

forwarding or feeding instrumentalities can come in contact with these gummed areas of the seal naps. Therefore, as may be seen in Fig. 1l, the upper forwarding rolls I I0, I I0 are widely spaced apart, so as to contact only the folds of the side flaps, and so as not to engage the gummed area of the seal flap as each partly-formed envelope passes between the bite of the upper rolls 0,

I I0 and the lower roll I I I.

' Still referring to Fig. 11, it is to be noted that the upper forwarding rolls H0, IIE] are each mounted upon a shaft II2 which is journalled within the side brackets I9 and 20, while the lower forwarding roll II I is mounted upon a shaft |I3, the end portions of which are similarly journalled in the bracket side walls I9 and 20. The upper and lower shafts I I2 and I I3 are positively coupled together by means of intermeshing gears II4 and |I5. Referring now to Figs. 3, 10, and 11, it is to be understood that the lower forwarding roll gear I I5 meshes directly with an idler gear IIB carried by a shaft `I I1 which is mounted within the bracket 20. Also, this idler gear ||3 meshes with the gear 35 which is freely mounted upon the wash roll shaft 82, and which is driven by means of the large idler gear 11 in a manner as hereinabove set forth. From this, it is to be understood that the forwarding roll shafts I|2 and ||3 are synchronously driven at a surface speed which is exactly the same as that imparted to the forwarding rolls 13 and 14.

Referring again to Fig. 11, it is to be noted that each of the forwarding rolls lli), |I0 is provided with aset screw IIB which permits the roll to be adjusted longitudinally of its shaft I I2, so that the two rolls I I0, I I 0 may be properly positioned for receiving and operating on envelope blanks of various sizes.

The above noted forwarding rolls H0, I|0 and function to deliver each partly-formed envelope, having wet glue on its seal flap, to a set of conveyor belts which, in turn, deliver the suc- 'cessive pieces to the chain, not shown, of a drying mechanism which functions to carry the envelopes about a closed path, for the purpose of drying the gummed areas of the seal flaps before the latter elements are folded over upon the envelope bodies. Since this drying mechanism forms no part of the present invention, it is not disclosed or described herein.

Referring particularly to Figs. 2, 3, and 12, it is to be understood that three lower and two upper conveyor belts are provided for so conveying the envelopes to the drying mechanism. -i More specifically, each of the lower belts, which are designated herein by the numeral I I9, is trained over one of three pulleys |20, |26, each of which is mounted upon a lower shaft I2I, the end portions of which are journalled within the side bracket members I9 and 20. Also, each of the upper two belts, which are designated by the nu-` meral |22, is trained over one of a pair of upper pulleys |23, |23, each of which is mounted upon a shaft |24, the end portions of which are jour-` nalled in the bracket members I9 and 2B. It is to be noted that each of the pulleys |20 and |23 is provided with-a set screw |25 which functions to permit the pulley to be adjusted longitudinally of its associated shaft, so as properly to space the various pulleys for the reception of various sized envelopes. i

The shafts |2| and |24 are positively coupled together by means of intermeshing gears |25 and |21, of which the lowergear |25 meshes with the idler gear |I6, so that the conveyor belts IIQ and |22 .are positively driven at a surface speed which is commensurate with that imparted to the last mentioned forwarding rolls I|0 and III.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and?, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates the provision of means whereby the various cooperating pairs of rolls, which` have, been hereinabove fully described, may be separated in a vertical direction, for the purpose of facilitating the adjustment of the present mechanism. For example, the first gumming rolll 34 is mounted upon a shaft 3S, the opposite end portions of which are each rotatably mounted within a block |28 which is slidably mounted with an opening |29 formed in a respective one of the side brackets I9 and 20. Each of these blocks I2 8, |28 is maintained in its lowermost position by means of a pair of coil springs |30, |32, the lower portions of which bear against the upper portion of the block, while the upper portions thereof bear against the member 48. In order to raise each of the blocks |28, |28 against the force of the springs |30, |36, there is provided a cam 3| which isappropriately disposed within an arcuate aperture |32 formed in each of the brackets I9 and 20 just below a respective one of the blocks |28, |28. Each of these cams |3| is provided with a handle member |32 which, when rotated, turns the cam so that each of the blocks |28, |28 is elevated, thereby raising the gumming roll 34 above its associated suction roll 35.

Y l1 Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 7., 8, and 10, it is to be understood that each of the twov gumming rolls 34 and 811, as Well as the upper suction roll 59, is provided with similar mechanism for so elevating each of these rolls above its associated bottom roll. Also, in this latter connection, it is to be noted that each of the blocks |28, |28 has threaded in its upper portion a cap screw |33,

. the head portion of which rests upon the upper portion of one of the bracketV4 members I9 or 25, so that as this screw is rotated, it will function to adjust the position ofV its associated roll. For example, by use of these cap screws |33, |33, the first gumming roll 34 may be nicely adjusted relative to its associated suction roll 35.

Referringparticularly to Figs. 1, 3, and 9, a second form of upper roll elevating means is provided in conjunction with the upper forwarding roll 13. For example, each end portion of the roll 13 is rotatably mounted within a blockY |28' which, in turn,'is slidably mounted within a vertically disposed slot or aperture |29' formed in a respective one of the brackets I9 and 20. Each of these blocks |28', |28 is maintained in its normally operative position by means of a coil spring |30', the lower portion of which engages the block |28', while theupper portion thereof engages the member 89 which is carried upon a respective one of the brackets I9 and 2D. For

raising each of the blocks |28', |28 against theV jects upwardly from Vone end ofv the cam shaft Y|34 so that an operator may elevate the upper forwarding roll 13 b y merely rotating the handle.

By referring to Figs. l, 9, and 11, itA is Vto be understood that each of the upper forwarding rolls 33, 13, and Il!) is adapted to be raised above its lower associated forwarding roll byra means similar to that hereinabove described.

` I claim: 7 .1. In an envelope machine, bottom iiap gumming means, means for successively conveying to Y said gumming means, bottom iiap, foremost, envelope blanks each with its. side Vflaps folded over upon the blank body and with its bottom andseal flaps extended, bottom flap folding and sealing means including a pair of' Vopposed rollers, suction-creating means disposed longitudinally across the face. of one of` said rollers for gripping the ungummed face of each blank along a line corresponding to the juncture of the flap and the blank body as the same emerges from said gum-Y l2 means disposed longitudinally acrossl the face. of one of said transfer rollers for gripping the foldedl overV portion of .said blankv as the same emergesfrom said folding rollers and for deliveringthe same to the bite of said transfer rollers.

2. In an envelope machine, bottom flapgumming means, means forv successively conveyingto said` gumming means, bottom flap foremost, envelopeblanks each with its side flaps folded' over upon the blank bodyandk with' its bottom and sealflaps extended, bottom flap foldingl and seaming means including'a pair of opposed rollers,` suction-'creating means disposed longitudinally across the face of one of said` rollers for gripping the ungummed face of each blank along a line corresponding to thejuncture of' the flap and the blankbody as the saine emerges from said gumming means'y and for delivering'the same to the bite of said: opposed rollers thereby toV cause the flap to be folded in seam forming relation against the sideV iiaps,y seal iiap gummng means including rst and second opposed rollers-, a gumming element carried upon said rst roller, means for Adirecting a liquid sprayY upon said second roller-means for removing the liquid from said second roller, means to rotate'said second rolle-l atk a substantiallyreduced` speed relative to said first roller, and' means for successively transierring the envelope blanks from saidbottom flap folding means to the bite of said scali-lap rollers.

S. In an envelope machine, bottom flap gumming'means including` a first pair of opposed rollers, means for conveying to the biteV of said gummingY rollers, bottom flapj foremost, envelope blanks Yeach ,with its bottom and` seal flaps extended, a Vgunnning element carried by one ofV said rollers and being; arranged to engage the envelope bottom iiap just` inwardly of. the.' ap edge thereby to insure, applicationY of gum. in.- wardly of the iiap edge,` seal apgumming means including a second pair of opposed rollers, means for conveying` envelope blanks from said first pair of rollers to the bite of said second pair of rollers, a gumrning element` carried upon. a first of the rollers Vof said second'pair of4 rollers, and being arranged to engage the envelopersealilap so as. to overlap the edge portion of the flap therebyI to insure application of gumto thev precise edge thereof, means cooperating with a second roller. of said` second pair of rollers for removingv gum from such roller means for driving each of the rollers of said first pai-r in synch-ronism with the rst roller of said second pair, andV means for driving the second roller of said second pair ata substantially reduced speedv relative to the other three rollers thereby toY maintainy the width of the gum strip deposited Vthereon. bysaid second gumming element ata minimum.

l VINCENT E. HEYWOOD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of recordin the fue of this patent: Y 

